Our Chairman, Abshir Aden Ferro delivered a speech on migration and integration in Romania this month. Take a read of the transcript below:

Today, we must understand that there are three primary types of migration:

Security migration,

Economic migration, and

Political migration.

The first step is to clearly define what kind of migration we’re dealing with, and what we want from it. That understanding is fundamental.

But even more important than categorising migration is addressing how we integrate migrants into European societies. This is critical. Every country, no matter where it is, needs people as assets – to survive, to grow, and to build a future.

It’s essential that we support migrants and start by tackling the root causes of migration:

Why are people leaving their homes?

What conditions are driving them away?

Then, once they arrive -how do we effectively integrate them into the system?

This is where the cooperation between Europe and Africa must play a central role.

Africa is a land of immense potential. It’s rich in resources and full of opportunities. But for this potential to be realized, the 27 member states of the European Union must come together with a unified approach to working with Africa, not just in Africa.

Likewise, Africans must be equally clear-eyed and prepared about how to engage with Europe – based on partnership, mutual respect, and long-term collaboration.